Expo 2023 Doha/ Minister of Municipality to QNA: Doha Expo a Turning Point in Facing Global Agricultural, Environmental Challenges

Doha, October 01 (QNA) - Expo 2023 Doha Horticulture Exhibition represents a platform for leading change and raising awareness among the international community of the importance of striving to find effective solutions to the problems of desertification, climate change and sustainability challenges. This major international event works to combine traditions and modern technology, for the balanced use of resources, and to create a meeting point between people and ideas to accelerate the pace of innovation, creativity, research and scientific progress in the field of modern agriculture to produce safe and sustainable food for the world’s population. The exhibition, which will be held during the period from Oct. 2, 2023 to Mar. 28, 2024, is the first to be held in an area with a desert climate, considered a climate challenge whether with regard to water or desertification, as well as dealing with changes in weather. The exhibition is held in cooperation with the Bureau International des Expositions and the International Association of Horticultural Producers, with the participation of more than 80 countries and non-governmental organizations, and is expected to attract more than 3 million visitors. In this regard, HE Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the national committee for hosting Expo 2023 Doha for Horticulture Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie confirmed that the State of Qatar has completed its preparations to receive delegations and visitors and present an exceptional version of this major global event befitting its status and ability to organize major events. Pointing out that just as it dazzled the world in organizing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, it will also dazzle the world at Expo 2023 Doha. His Excellency explained in special statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the theme of Expo 2023 Doha, "Green Desert, Better Environment," reflects the goal of encouraging, inspiring and informing the public about innovative solutions aimed at reducing the phenomenon of desertification, and for it to be an international platform for participants, stakeholders, departments, decision makers, non-governmental organizations and experts in order to address environmental problems and sustainability challenges. His Excellency added that the major challenges of the climate require the solidarity of the international community and global initiatives. Therefore, the 2023 Doha Horticultural Expo will work to engage the international community, unify its ranks, and make effective contributions in order to achieve a sustainable future. He pointed out that the State of Qatar aims to promote the concept of green cities in the Middle East region, and encourage innovation in the field of horticulture, with a focus on the elements of climate, water and soil in the State of Qatar. His Excellency said that that the Expo will be a catalyst for international investments and the launch of initiatives concerned with developing useful environmental solutions and outcomes as a legacy for humanity and an opportunity to highlight the importance of integration between green landscapes, sports, and human health and well-being. Meanwhile HE the Minister of Municipality noted that the Asian Football Championship will coincide with the exhibition's activities. Regarding the state’s efforts to expand the green area, His Excellency stressed that gardens, parks and green spaces have grown more than 10 times in Qatar from 2010 until now, as the number of public parks increased from (56) parks in 2010, to (143) parks in 2023. With an increase rate of 164 percent, the per capita share of green space increased from 1 square meter in 2010 to 16.5 square meters in 2023, a rate of increase of 16 times. The number of farms and the yield of their products multiplied several times depending on technology. Agriculture and plant research with the utmost sustainability, in addition to developing the initiative to plant one million trees to reach 10 million trees by 2030. His Excellency confirmed at the end of his statement to QNA that the exhibition will be a major turning point in facing global agricultural and environmental challenges, and will also represent an opportunity for the growth of work related to this matter in Qatar and show the Qatari and Islamic culture and authentic Arab traditions to visitors from different countries of the world. The state has designated Al Bidda Park to host the Doha Horticultural Expo 2023, distinguished by its location on the Corniche in the center of Doha and near Doha International Airport, Doha Port and the business center. It also has 4 parking spaces to serve exhibitors and visitors, ranging from two to three floors underground, and accommodating more than 1,500 vehicles. In addition to the external parking spaces that can be used, the exhibition consists of 3 main areas: the cultural area, which covers an area of about 500,000 square meters, the family area, which covers an area of 500,000 square meters, and the international area, which covers an area of 700,000 square meters. 

The main exhibition areas, which are held on an area of 1.7 million square meters, include multiple facilities, including: the large amphitheater square that accommodates 5,000 people and hosts famous international and regional artists throughout the exhibition period, the conference center where all conferences, forums, workshops and training are held, and the exhibition center which provides spaces The main display has multiple options, the Family Amphitheater, which organizes various educational and entertaining performances and activities for families and children, and the inner domes, which include closed areas to provide a climate and temperatures suitable for crops and flowers that require a special environment, lighting, and temperatures. The main exhibition areas also include: the cultural bazaar, which includes markets for traditional and handcrafted products from various participating countries, the farmers’ market, which is a space where farmers and international pavilions can display their products to the public and introduce their activities, and food stalls, which is an opportunity through which participating countries offer their traditional dishes, drinks, and food. The Sponsors Area, which is a space designated for sponsoring companies to display their services and activities and educate the public about the ideas and objectives of the exhibition, and the Environment Center and Biodiversity Museum, which is a space to display environmental sciences, renewable energy technologies, climate change information, as well as information about biodiversity and the diverse plant, animal and marine life in the region, and in conjunction with National Day celebrations. The flag raising ceremony will be held for the state in the presence of the participating official delegations. Over the course of 179 days, Expo 2023 Doha Horticulture will discuss 4 main axes. The first deals with modern agriculture and includes 4 topics, they are improving the role of farmers, building bridges of communication between knowledge and technology, ensuring coordinated solutions, and promoting sustainable agriculture. All the topics aim to give solutions in order to combat desertification, integrating academic knowledge resources and industrial technologies together, finding innovative solutions for the effective use of resources in agriculture, in addition to exchanging information between the main stakeholders in modern agriculture, using new methods of coordination and cooperation, and integrating innovation at all levels. The second axis is concerned with technology and innovation, which are the main drivers in developing solutions and achieving a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability and finding effective solutions to eliminate urban industrial pollution and offering alternatives to agriculture that rely on the heavy use of chemicals. This axis focuses on practical experience, rainwater harvesting, alternative energy solutions, green spaces in urban areas and urban agriculture. All the topics aim to provide technological means for farmers, obtain the best results from natural water, and direct rainwater to enhance the level of groundwater and increase green spaces in urban areas, in addition to adopting new systems in energy and irrigation, controlling air pollution, and reducing the carbon footprint through effective use of space, energy and water. The third axis covers environmental awareness and working to raise it in various countries of the world to enhance attitudes and behaviors towards the environment by focusing on 3 areas of affiliation besides education, foodprint, and perma gardening. The aim of this axis is to create sympathy for environmental and climate issues, enabling educators and influencers to interact with environmental issues, safe access to healthy food and nutritional policies, emphasizing reducing food waste, encouraging healthy eating, supporting sustainable agriculture, and re-establishing the public’s connection to nature, while contributing to controlling factors affecting environmental erosion and recycling. As for the fourth axis, it addresses sustainability by maintaining a modern lifestyle compatible with biodiversity and environmental balance and using knowledge and urbanization to maintain the modern way of life. There are three pillars of the sustainability axis of Expo 2023 Doha Horticulture. The first is the economic pillar that focuses on investing in innovative agricultural technologies. The second is the social pillar that focuses on strengthening the connection between humans and nature to increase awareness. The third is the environmental pillar that focuses on transforming dry and arid lands into agricultural and forest areas. (QNA)